AD 82-03-03

82-03-03 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-4306. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F, and -40 series airplanes certificated in all categories.

To assure that the DC-10 wing slats remain extended even if the slat control system sustains severe damage, accomplish the following:

Unless already accomplished, compliance is required with paragraphs A and B on or before January 31, 1983, or in accordance with a schedule of accomplishment approved by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Mountain Region.

A. Modify the leading edge slat servo system and replace the outboard slat system follow-up cables as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 27-187, original issue, or later revisions approved by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Mountain Region.

B. Install balanced pressure relief valves in hydraulic systems No. 1 and No. 3slat extend lines, left and right wing, as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 27-189, original issue, or later revisions approved by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Mountain Region.

C. Within the next 2000 flight hours after accomplishment of the modifications noted in paragraph A above, and at intervals not to exceed 4000 flight hours thereafter, visually inspect the balance spring assemblies and outboard slat follow-up cables, left and right wing, for integrity of installation.

D. Within the next 4,000 flight hours after accomplishment of the modifications noted in paragraph B above, and at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours thereafter, functionally check for proper operation of the outboard slat relief valves as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph (E) of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 27-189, original issue, or later revisions approved by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Mountain Region.

E. Upon the request of an operator, an FAA maintenance inspector, subject to prior approval by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Mountain Region, may adjust the repetitive intervals specified in paragraphs C and D of this AD to permit compliance at an established inspection period of that operator if the request contains substantiating data to justify the change for that operator.

F. Alternate means of compliance with this AD which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Mountain Region.

G. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the requirements of this AD.

The manufacturer's specifications and procedures identified and described in this directive are incorporated herein and made a part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1).

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Director, Publications and Training, C1-750 (54-60). These documents also may be examined at FAA Northwest Mountain Region, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle Washington 98108, or 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California 90808.

This amendment becomes effective February 25, 1982.